Democratic Republic of Congo Travel Forum

Please, if you live in DRC or have been there recently, could you tell me if Kinshasa is safe for a foreigner, 30 something solo woman, living and working there? I'm seriously considering a job move to DRC, but I just want to know if all the warnings I heard from friends (who had never been there, by the way) are well-founded.
Thanks,
Flor de Maria

hi' flor se maria.

you might wanna contact vt member tshiam.
she's a congolese girl who workd for the world bank in kinshasa.
i have met her on one occasion in berlin and she's a very nice person, who i think would be ready to help you out with any question you might have.

Thank you, Claus! :)

I'm an American woman living in Kinshasa and know many other young, white, American and European women who live and work here safely. You need to be conscientous and aware of your surroundings, and if you're considering a job here, make sure part of your employment package includes: a) a secure, guarded apartment building as well as, b) either your own car (with IT plates if at all possible) or access to a car and driver to take you to/from work, as well as for you to use on the weekends. Walking around in the city is not advisable, so you will always need a car at your disposal for socializing, shopping, running errands. I do walk about a half km to the nearest grocery store, and while I get a bit hassled (mostly young men wanting to talk to me, know my name) I don't feel unsafe, although I certainly wouldn't walk alone at at night, nor for any greater distance.

There's quite an active social scene here, with many truly delightful restaurants and nightclubs, as well as arts/crafts fairs, camping nearby, etc. Groups of people organize all types of activities constantly, so there's never a lack of something to do, which should tell you something: people are not afraid to be out and about in the city, albeit with perhaps a heightened sense of awareness, which, honestly, is (or should be) the same behavior for any large city wherever it is in the world.

Thank you all, people!
Love,
Flor de Maria

I am leaving for Kinshasa on Friday from the U.S. I have mixed reports on the safety issues. I will be there for work as well, for an unknown amout of time. I would like to stay in touch with another American while I'm there.

Given the gunshots on the streats of Kinshasa after the election today, I'm thinking that the answer is "no".